So lets try this again.

The front suspension of my fxdx was lowered, burly springs and spacers. These are Showa Cartridge forks and I'm trying to find out if the stock setup, when taken apart had springs and spacers? It seems in the manual it does.

A couple mechanics seem unable to answer any questions about it, i'm just trying to gain knowledge so I can do this myself or pass it on to a mechanic.

Need answers! Any help is appreciated.

 

Not very many Harley mechanics will have much knowledge about the Showa cartridge forks.

http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche....TEERING%20STEM

Item 26 is called "spacer", but it's more like a washer. Item 27 " spring collar" might be more considered a spacer. It is metal with two holes in it, which allow for disassembly using the proper spring compression tool.
There is no PVC or additional spacer, other than the spring collar.

FWIW, when I upgraded to RaceTech springs, the springs are shorter than stock. You retain item 27 "spring collar" and add a pvc pipe spacer to achieve correct preload.

I have my stock springs in a box. Ship them on your dime. DM me if you want them. (not the collars though...)

-G

 

STOCK - FXDX showa Forks DO have spacer cartridges and springs.....why you'd wanna lower that great Front END is a mystery to me( to each his own I guess ) I have a 2001 FXDX with Progressive springs,cartridges and spaces as well as a drilled out dampening rod assembly to allow more heavier fluid to alleviate the "dive" in hard cornering,yet travel back easily & progressively in the apex of corners and bring me back stable in the finish of the corners .Theres LOTSA *voodoo* ,parts,components,tricks,modifications,internal design trickery and little machining to make FXDX Forks work 1000% Better than stock for very few dollars .All depending on your riding preferences and style ( as well as the WAY and WHERE You Ride) Lotsa Front end dampening & preload mods and trickery wont be appreciated on freeway or high speed long distance ripping.......but it'll make You smile like a **** star in the twisties and sweepers where necessary .

 

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/members/354841-vt81.html

 

That's what came up to my mind as well....

 

You saw it all the way across the ocean

 

Yup, the blowhard is back!

 

Yes, the stock front dampers have springs and spacers. Stock springs suck they are only about 0.57kg/mm. Not sure how you'd lower DX forks without cutting the damping rod and compression needle valve. Guess you could install real stiff springs with no preload.